Ahmed Musa has officially ended his international football career, drawing the curtain on a remarkable 15-year journey with Nigeria’s Super Eagles that established him as the country’s most capped player.
The 33-year-old forward confirmed his decision on Wednesday through a personal statement shared on social media, where he reflected on a career defined by commitment, resilience, and historic achievements in the green and white jersey.
Musa described representing Nigeria as the highest honour of his professional life, saying the opportunity to play for the national team was something he never took lightly from the very beginning.
His rise to the senior national team came at an unusually early stage.
Musa recalled being invited simultaneously to Nigeria’s U-20, U-23 and senior teams while still a teenager, a period he said was physically demanding but deeply fulfilling.
Despite constant travel and the pressures of rapid progression, he noted that answering Nigeria’s call was never a question for him, stressing that wearing the national colours always came with pride and a strong sense of responsibility.
Over the course of his international career, Musa earned 111 appearances for Nigeria, a record that places him above every other player in the nation’s football history.
He described reaching that milestone as a humbling achievement and one that reflects years of dedication to the national cause.
Among his most defining moments were his contributions on the world stage. Musa made history at the 2014 FIFA World Cup by becoming the first Nigerian player to score twice in a single World Cup match, achieving the feat against Argentina.
Four years later, he repeated the accomplishment at the 2018 tournament, scoring twice against Iceland, which also made him the first Nigerian to score in two different World Cups.
With four World Cup goals to his name, Musa remains Nigeria’s highest goalscorer in the competition’s history.
He also played a key role in Nigeria’s triumph at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament he described as a powerful example of unity, belief and national pride within the squad.
In his farewell message, Musa expressed gratitude to former teammates, coaches, technical crews and football administrators who supported him throughout his time with the national team.
He also paid tribute to Nigerian supporters at home and abroad, acknowledging their constant encouragement during both highs and lows.
Musa said he leaves international football with a clear conscience, confident that he gave his all and optimistic about the future of the Super Eagles.
According to him, his connection to the national team remains unbreakable, even as he steps aside to allow a new generation of players to carry the torch.
At club level, Musa is still active with Kano Pillars, where he returned in October 2024 for his third spell.
In addition to playing duties, he has taken on an administrative role, serving as the club’s general manager ahead of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Professional Football League season.
With his retirement from international football, Ahmed Musa exits the Super Eagles not just as a record-holder, but as one of the most influential figures of Nigeria’s modern football era.
